Device for indicating inclination



N0 6, 1934- T. L.. LYNCH ET AL DEVICE FOR INDICATING INCLINATION Filed June -2 J l95 0 Patented Nov. 6, 1934 UNITI-:D STATES PATENT OFFICE DEVICE FOR 'INDICATING INCLINATION Application June Z1, 1930, Serial No. 462,786

12 Claims.

This invention has to do in a general way with oil well drilling equipment and is more particularly related to devices adapted for use in connection with so-called rotary drilling equipment whereby the operator may determine from time to time whether or not the well is following in a vertical course.

It is well known to those familiar with the art that the usual equipment employed in rotary v drilling operations embodies a drill bit which is mounted on the lower end portion of a string of pipe or tubing known as drill pipe, the drill pipe .having provided at its upper end a squared section of tubing known as the Kelly, by means of which it is rotated through the medium of a rotary table. For the purpose of facilitating the penetration of the bit into the formation and to assist in holding the gas pressure in the well, it

is common practice to continuously circulate through the drill string and its associated parts a pressure fluid which is ordinarily known as rotary mud.

In most formations it has been found extremely difficult to maintain a vertical course during the operation of a rotary drill of the class described above, and it has become a recent practice in oil well drilling operations to survey the well from time to time to ldetermine whether or not the bit is advancing along a vertical line or is deviating from its proper course. The usual procedure followed in surveying wells requires the removal of the drill string and necessitates lowering a surveying instrument into the Well, such instrument being designed to record from time to .time the inclination of the well at various depths.

It is the primary object of this invention to produce a device which is not necessarily a surveying instrument in that it produces record showing the direction and degree of the declination of the well at various points, but which will indicate -to the operator at any time during the drilling operation whether or not the well is vertical. If such an indication shows the well to beV declining from the vertical, the operator may raise the bit to a, point at which the drin pipe is vertical and by spinningvthe same rapidly and at the same time lowering it into the well, he may change the course of the hole so that the contnued advance of the bit will be along a vertical line. 'In the event the formation at the point at which the well leaves a vertical course is extremerL ly hard and the operation described above is not successful in straightening the hole, it is possible 4to cement vthe hole at this point and drill the same over again to obtain the desired results.

Both of the processes described above are common practice in oil well drilling operations.

It is a feature of primary importance in the device contemplated by this invention that it does not require the removal of the bit from the Well to determine whether or not the drill pipe is vertical, and it is a further noteworthy feature of this invention that the contemplated results are accomplished through the medium of the circulating uid.

'I'he device contemplated by this invention may be thought vof as comprising means operated by the circulating fluid and actuated by a pendulum or other gravity actuated mechanism for giving a sensible indication at the ground surface when the drill pipe in the region occupied by the instrument deviates from a vertical course.

The device is of simple form and construction, it does not obstruct the flow of circulating uid `through the drill pipe, and it may be used at any predetermined time for the purpose of determining whether or not the drill pipe is vertical.

In a preferred form of our invention disclosed in the present application, the indicating means referred to above are of an audible nature. In other words, the instrument is constructed so as to give an audible signal when it is inclined from the vertical. 'Ihe device'may also be constructed so that the signal is given when the instrument is in a vertical position.

The details in the construction of a preferred embodiment of our invention, together with other objects attending its production, will be best understood from the following description of the accompanying drawing, which is chosen for illustrative purposes only, and in which l y Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing a part of a rotary oil well drilling machine and illustrating the manner in which the device contemplated by our invention may be used therein;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional elevation showing the details in the construction of a preferred embodiment of our invention;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional elevation show- 10o ing the details in the construction of the gravity actuated mechanism which is employed for controlling the operation of the audible indicating means;

Fig.- 4 is an enlarged elevational view show- 105 ing a preferred form of ratchet member which is used` in conjunction with the audible indicating means;

Fig. 5 is a plan view taken in the direction of the arrow 5 in Fig. 4;

' Fig. 61s an inverted plan view taken in the direction of the arrow 6 in Fig. '4; and

`Fig. "T is a partial sectional elevation taken rthrough the pendulum support inaplane at right angles to the section shown in Fig. 3. l More'particularly describing the invention as vided with a drill bit l14. Reference numeral l *indicates an indicating device of the type contemplated by this invention. The upper end of the drill pipe 13 is equipped witha squared section of tubing 13' which is known as the Kelly andy which rextends rupwardlythrough a, Kelly i bushing provided in the rotary table 16. The top of the Kelly `13' is shown as being equipped with the kusual type of swivel circulating head17',into

which rpressure' fluid is delivered fromr any suitable source throughk a hose 17,. Reference numeral 18 indicates an electric vibration amplifier 'which has an engagement member 19 adaptedto be placed upon ther pipe when the indicating in'- strument l5 is in use. The vibrations or 'signals f transmitted from 'the instrumentr through the pipe 13tothe engagement member 19 are amplifled through the amplierl9', which is shown as ybeing equipped with a speaker ror with head phones, as indicated by reference numeral 20.

, The details inthe construction of the indicating instrument are best illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6,y

f ment member rwhen the well is inclined from the inclusive, where the instrument is shown as em'- ybodying a barrel 25 adaptedto receiveisubs26 and 27 at its opposite ends whereby it is at" tachedto orinterpcsed in the drill pipe 13'.k The y upperendportion of the `barrel 25 is provided with a spider'28 which has a central aperture 29 adapted to slidably receive the upper end portion f of a rotor shaft 30. The lower endportion of 'the rotor shaft 30 is slidably and rotatably received in a. bearing passage 31 formed in a head 32 which is mounted in the upper end of a pendulum housing 33. The lower end of the pendulum housing 33 is internally threaded to receive a base plug 34. The housing 33 is supported in the barrel 25 by means of a flange 35 which is formed on the base plug 34 and is shown as being in threaded engagement -with the lower threaded end of the barrel. The flange 35 is provided with apertures 35 to permit the passage of circulation fluid. The upper end portion of the housing 33 is held against side movement in the barrel by means of a plurality of outwardly projecting fingers or lugs 36 which are formed on the head member 32.

The rotor shaft 30 is provided with a plurality of vanes 37, the periphery of such vanes being in sliding engagement with the bore of the barrel 25. These vanes, in combination with the rotor shaft 30, will be hereinafter referred to as a rotor 46.

The lower end of the rotor shaft which projects downwardly into the pendulum housing 33 is provided with a ratchet member 38, such member being rigidly attached below a shoulder on the lower end of the shaft 30 with a key 39. The bottom surface of the ratchet member 38 is provided with a plurality of teeth 40 which are arranged so as to engage teeth 41 formed upon the upper surface of a ratchet engagement member 42. The ratchet engagement member 42 is held in yielding engagement with the ratchet member 38 by a spring 43 which is interposed between the lower edge of the ratchet engagement member andthe topsurface of the bottom plug- 34. The yratchet engagement member is held against r0- tation in the housing by a key ory screwl 44 which Lextends inwardly into the housing with its inner f rend projecting into a `slot 45` formed in the ratchet engagement member` y It will be seen from the construction so far described that the downward` movement of circulating fluid through the barrel 25y and past the rotor 46 will be e'ective to revolve the rotor and will consequently` bring about a relative rotation between kthe ratchety member and the ratchet engagement member causing vibrations which will bek transmitted through the circulating fluid and the drill pipe tothe surface of the ground where it can be 'amplified 'to produce a clicking noise through .the vibration amplifying 'means indicated at18.

In order that the device described above may be utilized as a rneansfor indicating Whether or not the yinstrument is vertical, it is necessary to provide some mechanism for lfioldin'gthey ratchety l i k engagement memberk andk the ratchet member against relative movement, either when the well is vertical or when it is inclined fromthe ver-y tical. In `thisform of our invention the mechanism last referred tc consists of means for holding the rotor against rotation when the *well is ,k

vertical, such means being actuated by a penrdulum which is associated with a spline couplingk and is arranged so as to permit relative rotation `of the ratchet member and the ratchet engagevertical.

In the Lform of our invention shown in the rdrawing this ymechanism last referred .to` above consistsy of a plurality of splines 50 'which yare shown as being formed upon the lower end por' tionjof the head member 32; The upper endkof i i i the ratchet member 38 is provided with a plurality of splines 51 which are arranged so as to be forced into interengagement with the splines 50 by the coil spring 41`. The normal position of the ratchet member 38 with respect tothe head member 32 is shown in Fig. 3, but it will be understood that the downward component of the pressure of the circulating fluid upon the vanes 37 of the rotor 46 is effective to overcome the resistance oered by the spring 41 and to move the splines 51 downwardly from the splines 50 to a point at which the radial component of the circulating fluid against the vanes of the rotor can effect a rotation of the rotor and a consequent relative movement between the -ratchet and the ratchet engagement member.

From this construction it will be seen that it is only necessary to provide some means for resisting the downward component of the circulating fluid pressure against the vanes of the rotor either when the instrument is vertical or is inclined from the vertical. Such means are shown as consisting of a pendulum 53. 'I'he pendulum 53 has a notch 53a provided in its upper end portion and this notch' contains a. transverse pin 53h which is recessed in its mid portion where it engages an eye 55 formed on the lower end of a supporting pin 54. The lower end of the pendulum 53 is shown as being provided with a downwardly extending pin 56, the bottom of which' has a recess 57 formed therein, such recess being adapted to receiva thenupper end 58 of a stationary pin.59 which is mounted on the mid portion of the bottom plug 34. When the instrument is vertical, the downward movement of the rotor and its associated -parts in the manner pointed out above will bring the recess `57 into engagement with the upper end 58 of the stationary pin 59 and the position of these last mentioned members is such that this engagement is effective to hold the splines and 51 in interengagement, thus preventing ,the rotation of .the rotor when the instrument is vertical. It will be noted that the eye and pin-mechanism forms a single point suspension for the pendulum and that the notch is of sucient width to permit -universal movement of the pendulumn In the event the instrument is inclined slightly from the vertical (one degree in the preferred form of our invention), the pressure ofthe circulating fluid upon the vanes of the rotor forces the same downward, and the pin 56 on the pendulum'clears the stationary pin 59, permitting the splines to be disengaged and consequently permitting the rotor to revolve the ratchet member, effecting an audible signal through the amplifying system at the surface of the ground. It should also be observed that the eye is slightly larger than the pin 53b so that the ratchet engagement member may vibrate relative to the pendulum during the operation of the instrument.

In actual practice this instrument may be used as often as desired. The time required for determining whether or not the bit is advancing in a vertical line is very short, since the only operations necessary are to momentarily stop the operation of the rotary table, raise the bit slightly 01T of the formation, stop the pump, relieving the rotor vanes of a downward pressure component and permitting pendulum engagement members 57 and 59 to be forced out of engagement by the spring 43, and then place a pressure upon the circulating fluid l.by starting the pump. If the clicking sound produced by the ratchet against the ratchet engagement member is heard through the sound amplifying means 18, the operator knows that the well is deviating from the vertical and may take the necessary steps or precautions to straighten the same. If no such signal is received, he knows that the well is following a vertical course and may proceed with the drilling in the usual manner.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the device contemplated by this invention is of simple form and construction; there is no part subjected to excessive wear; the instrument may be embodied in the drill pipe and remain therein until the well is finished; it does not require the use of special surveying instruments which necessitate removing the bit and the drill pipe from the well, and although it is not designed to indicate the direction and degree of inclination, it has a more valuble function in that it makes possible the drilling of a vertical bore hole.

It is to be understood that while-we have herein described and illustrated one preferred form oiv our invention, the invention is not limited to the precise construction described above, but includes Within its scope whatever changes fairly come within the spirit of the appended claims.

We claim as our invention:

1. In combination with a drill pipe and a fluid pressure system for forcing drilling fluid through said drill pipe: gravity controlled means including a rotor operated by said pressure fluid for giving an audible indication when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical.

2. In combination with a drill pipe and a fluid pressure system for forcing drilling fluid through said drill pipe: gravity controlled means including a rotor operated by said pressure fluid and a ratchet operated by said rotor for giving an audible indication when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical.

3. In combination with a drill pipe and a fluid pressure system for forcing drilling fluid through said drill pipe, means for giving an audible indication when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical'embodying: a rotor slidably mounted in said drill pipe and adapted for movement by said pressure fluid; a ratchet member associated with said rotor, a non-rotatable ratchet engagement member mounted in said drill pipe adjacent .said ratchet, and gravity actuated means for locking said rotor against rotation when said drill pipe is vertical.

4. In combination with a drill pipe and a fluid pressure system for forcing drilling fluid through said drill pipe, means for giving an audible indication when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical embodying: a rotor slidably mounted in said drill pipe and adapted for movement by said pressure fluid; a ratchet member associated with said rotor, a non-rotatable ratchet engagement member mounted in said drill pipe adjacent said ratchet, and gravity actuated means for locking said rotor against rotation when said drill pipe is vertical, said last mentioned means being adapted to permit rotation of said rotor When'said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical.

5. In combination with a drill pipe and a fluid pressure system for forcing drilling fluid through said drill pipe, means for giving an audible indication when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical embodying: a rotor slidably mounted in said drill pipe and adapted for movement by said pressure fluid; a ratchet member associated with said rotor, a non-rotatable ratchet engagement member mounted in said drill pipe adjacent said ratchet; splines associated with said rotor for holding same against rotation, and gravity actuated means for holding ysaid splines againstdisengagement when, said drill pipe is vertical.

6. In combination with a drill pipe and a fluid pressure system for forcing drilling fluid through said drill pipe, means for giving an audible indication when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical embodying: a rotor slidably mounted in said drill pipe and adapted for movement by said pressure fluid; a ratchet member associated' with said rotor, a non-rotatable ratchet engagement member mounted in said drill pipe adjacent said ratchet; splines associated with said rotor for holding same against rotation, and gravity actuated means for holding said splines against disengagement when said drill pipe is vertical, said last mentioned means being adapted to permit disengagement of said splines when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical.

7. In combination with a drill pipe and a fluid pressure system for forcing drilling fluid therethrough. means for giving an audiblesignal when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical embodying: a barrel 'interposed in said drill pipe; a rotor slidably and rotatably'mounted in said barrel and adapted for. movement by said pressure fluid; a ratchet member attached to said rotor for movement therewith; a non-rotative ratchet engagement member mounted in said barrel in yieldable engagement with said ratchet; and gravity actuated means for holding said rotor against rotation when said'barrel is vertical, said last mentioned means` being adapted to permit rotation of said rotor when said barrel has deflected from the vertical.

8. In combination with a drill pipe and a fluid pressure system for forcing drilling uid therethrough, means for giving an audible signal when said drill pipe has deflected from the vertical embodying: a barrel interposed in said drill pipe; a rotor slidablyA and rotatably mounted in said barrel and adapted for movement by said pressure uid; a ratchet member attached to said rotor for movement therewith; a ratchet engagement member in said barrel; a spring for holding said ratchet engagement member in yieldable engagement with said ratchet; spline means for holding said rotor against rotation; gravity actuated means for holding said spline means in engagement when said barrel is vertical, said last mentioned means being adapted to permit the disengagement of said splines by the action of said pressure fluid on said rotor when said barrel has Y deected from the vertical.

9. A device for indicating vertical deflection embodying: a barrel adapted for interpositin in a string of pipe; a pendulum housing mounted in said barrel; a rotor shaft in said barrel having its lower end portion slidably and rotatably mounted in said pendulum housing; Xed splines in the upper end portion of said housing, splines on the lower end portion of said rotor shaft adapted to engage the splines in said housing; a ratchet member on the lower end of said rotor shaft; a ratchet engagement member slidably mounted in said housing; means for holding said ratchet engagement member against rotation; yieldable means in said housing below said ratchet engagement member for holding said splines in engagement; vanes on said rotor shaft adapted to.be acted upon by pressure fluid in said pipe for imparting longitudinal and rotative movement to said rotor shaft; and gravity actuated means associated with said ratchet engagement member for holding said splines in engagement when said barrel is vertical.

10. A device for indicating .vertical deiiection embodying: a barrel adapted for interpositionl in a string of pipe; a pendulum housing mounted in said barrel; a rotor shaft in said barrel having its lower end portion slidably and rotatably mountedin said pendulum housing; xed splines in the upper end portion of said housing; splines on the lower end portion of said rotor shaft adapted to engage the splines in said housing; a ratchet member on the lower end of said rotor shaft; a ratchet engagement member slidably mounted in said housing; means for holding saidratchet engagement member against rotation; yieldable means in said housing below said ratchet engagement member for holding said splines in engagement; vanes on said rotor shaft adapted to be acted upon by pressure fluid in said pipe for imparting longitudinal or rotative movement to said rotor shaft; and gravity actuated means comprising a pendulum attached to said ratchet engagement member, and a stop member mounted in the bottom of said housing for engagement with said pendulum for holding said splines in engagement when the barrel is vertical.

11. A device forindicating vertical deflection embodying: a-barrel adapted for interposition in a string of pipe; a pendulum housing mounted in said barrel; a rotor shaft in said barrel having its lower end portion slidably and rotatablyl mounted in said pendulum housing; fixed splines in the upper end portion of said housing; splines on the lower end portion of said rotor shaft adapted to engage the splines in said housing; a ratchet member on the lower end of said rotor shaft; a ratchet engagement member slidably mounted in said housing; means for holding said ratchet engagement member against rotation; yieldable means in said housing below said ratchet engagement member for holding said splines in engagement; vanes on said rotor shaft adapted to be acted upon by pressure fluid in said pipe for imparting longitudinal or rotative movementto said rotor shaft; and gravity actuated means comprising a pendulum attached to said ratchet engagement member, and a stop member mounted inthe bottom of said housing for engagement with said pendulum for holding said splines in engagement when the barrel is vertical, said splines and said stop being so proportioned as to permit the splines being disengaged when the barrel has deflected from the vertical.

12. An apparatus for indicating deviation of a well bore from the vertical comprising: sound producing means; means for locking said sound producing means against operation; and gravity controlled means for releasing said locking means; and hydraulic means operable from the surface to actuate said sound producing means.

THEODORE L. LYNCH.

HARRY L. RILLING. HOWARD A. REDFIELD. 

